Chapter 107

Aurora stared at her screen, reviewing each proposal and idea one by one, letting them cycle through her mind. Meanwhile, word of both her proposal and the situation with Linda had already reached Tessa and Grace.

At the Walton estate, Grace had decided to stay home that day and was spending time with Tessa.

After the incident with Julian, Tessa had stormed out of the house in anger. Now, sitting alone with her mother, things still felt a little tense. Tessa glanced at Grace’s perfectly maintained face. Her mother was quietly sipping coffee and reading, showing no intention of making conversation.

Tessa’s hands slowly clenched into fists. Julian had already explained everything to Grace after what happened. Even though she hadn’t said much at the time, Tessa could tell that her mother might have forgiven Julian, but she wasn’t going to forget that easily, especially with Aurora holding the recording–it wasn’t something that could be brushed aside.

“Mom, I heard Aurora fired someone from the company. Someone named Linda Falls.”

At that, Grace paused mid-sip and turned to look at Tessa. The chain on her reading glasses swayed slightly as she moved. Her brows lifted with mild curiosity. “Yes, I heard something about that.”

“Well, since you already know, I won’t go into detail,” Tessa replied, her tone cautious, as if weighing her words. There was a trace of concern on her face, enough to spark Grace’s curiosity.

“It’s alright, Tessa. If you’ve got something on your mind, say it.” Grace had spent decades navigating the corporate world. She’d seen all kinds of people–and could read them just as well. She knew what Tessa was doing, but because of her affection for her daughter, she let it slide. She gave her space to speak freely.

Tessa hesitated, then finally voiced her thoughts with a worried expression. “Mother, I just think… maybe Aurora’s being a little too aggressive at the company.”

“She is, after all, the younger heiress of the Walton family,” Tessa said softly, her tone laced with concern. “Handling things like that in the company might come off as… too high-profile. What if people start saying we’re using our family name to push others around?”

Grace didn’t respond right away. She understood exactly what Tessa was implying. But having learned the full context, Grace knew this wasn’t something that could be blamed on Aurora. She had been the victim in all of it. Linda had crossed a line–her intentions far too obvious. Getting caught was only a matter of time. Frankly, she’d brought it on herself.

Tessa, watching her mother’s expressionless face, felt her nerves start to fray. She knew Aurora hadn’t done anything wrong. But watching her rise step by step, growing more competent and secure in her position at the company made it hard for Tessa to just sit back and do nothing. It was suffocating.

“I understand,” Grace finally said, setting her cup down. “I’ll have a proper talk with Aurora.”

Looking at Tessa’s perpetually pale complexion, Grace felt a pang of tenderness. She had always doted on her. She wasn’t blind to what had happened with Julian, and while she hadn’t approved, she couldn’t completely blame Tessa either. In the end, it was that man who failed to control his own behavior.

Hearing her mother’s reply, Tessa visibly relaxed. “If you’re willing to speak with her, then I won’t worry anymore.”

“Aurora always listens to you. She always ignores everything I said.”

Grace went quiet at that. If she were honest, compared to Tessa, Aurora had always been the easier one to deal with. From childhood to now, that girl had never once caused her any trouble.